Advantages: Encouraged me to see the stage play Disadvantages: A bit too theatrical for a film
Max Bialystock is a producer, but not a very good one. After another flop, he is ready to give up. That is, until he meets shy accountant, Leo Bloom, who suggests that they raise the cash for a play that they know will be hugely unpopular, then pocket the surplus cash once the play has closed. And they think they have found their perfect potential flop in 'Springtime for Hitler', written by Franz Liebkind, a Nazi. Will Bialystock and Bloom be successful in their attempt to fail? Will Bialystock be as rich as he has dreamed of? And will Leo Bloom finally find happiness and a woman to love?
I should mention before I go any further that I have not seen the stage version of The Producers, or the original film written and directed by Mel Brooks back in 1968, and so cannot comment on the similarities/differences between them.
Nathan ...
sunmeilan 12.09.2008 (13.09.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Producers (DVD)
Advantages: Strong vocals and musical leads Disadvantages: Missing a certain sparkle
The Producers is one of those films that I've wanted to see for a long time. I can't to be honest think why this is the case but it is and so when I noticed it whilst out shopping the other day I simply had to buy it.
Now I knew upon purchasing the film that I was going to be a musical style film with a good helping of humour and to be fair that is what I received. I must say however, and this is reflected in my rating of the film, that I was expecting something else. Now what this something else is I don't know either but all I can tell you is that I was expecting a little sparkle that just wasn't there.
The Producers tells the story of Leo Bloom an accountant and a down on his luck producer Max Bialystock who despite Leo's initial reluctance plot a somewhat bent get rich scheme. This scheme however will only succeed if the play ...
Advantages: Great song and dance routines and a marvellous central performance from Lane Disadvantages: A touch too stagey and a less endearing turn from Broderick
with real energy by the cast. There are plenty of toe-tapping numbers that will stay in your head for days after seeing the film, from "I Want to Be a Producer" and "Guten Tag Hop Clop" to "Springtime for Hitler".
There are some really nice aspects to the production design. The breakaway set for "I Want to Be a Producer" is beautifully designed and moves with real fluidity. Similarly the sets and costumes for "Springtime for Hitler" are splendidly realised. However, my favourite bit of technical jiggery-pokery is Franz Liebkind's animatronic pigeons, capable of pigeon coop dancing and the odd Nazi salute. There is a nice attention to detail; from the posters of Max's previous productions ("King Leer", "The Breaking Wind") to the clutter in his office cum apartment.
"TheProducers" is a bit of a cinematic odd fish. It is entertaining ...
